In Reply to: We can only hope posted by Bruinlark on August 04, 2009 at 09:50:38
... to win it all without aces, if the starting staff is decent (as is the Dodgers), the bullpen is strong (which I think it is), and the hitting and defense are strong (again, I think it is).
The Dodgers are in a little bit of a lull right now. But, I think Manny will kick it up a notch soon (assuming the hand isn't still bothering him), and then you have a shot for guys like Kershaw and Billingsly to go 6 innings against guys like Carpenter, Wainwright, Hamels, etc. by keeping it close and then letting the bats and bullpen take over.
In any case, it should be fun to watch it unfold. As good as the Dodgers, Angels, Yankees, Sox, and Phillies are doing, I really think St. Louis may be the team to beat this year. Here's why:
-- Great 1-2-3 starting staff, with Carpenter, Wainwright, and Pineiro. Perhaps the best 3-deep in mlb.
-- Franklin looks awesome as a closer. (Remember Lidge last year for the Phillies? He's not that guy this year, but Franklin might be).
-- Pujols, Ludwick, Holliday - wow! You're looking at probably an average of 12 at bats per game that a guy could jack one at any time on one pitching mistake.
-- Yadier Molina is (I think) one of the premier receivers in the game right now. He's no Piazza on offense, but he's a great all-around package.